I think the outdated look is the one where the entertainment center is too big for the room. When it overwhelms everything in the room and is the center of attention. That "look" is outdated but the actual entertainment centers are not IMO. Here are a couple pics of mine. It's huge. But the room is huge and is open to the kitchen and the ceiling is 18' tall so the room isn't overwhelmed by the furniture's mass. I've included a full view of my room just to illustrate that there are other more important things to look at in the room than just the entertainment center. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Oh I am in love with that songster; Bon-Jovi rocks! And the pup - too sweet. And the fish! You are living in a little piece of Heaven on Earth. I have always loved birds, wild birds, tame birds, big birds, little birds. I've had parakeets off and on since my mid-20s (that's a long time ago!) and raised them for a large group of pet shops for a while. I got worried about how buyers may not take proper care of my "babies." I'm rabid on proper nutrition for caged birds. I went back to just parakeets and cockatiels for myself. While I was stationed in Spain I had a Green Singing Finch, Serinus mozambicus, that I kept in my office. I had to find him a home before being stationed back in the States. Once I arrived at Dover AFB, DE, I found another pair of the delightful little "wild canaries." My last birds were parakeets. I got them while in California and then moved them here in 2003. Pudge, the English Budgerigar male, lived to be 14; Jill, the Blue Bird of Unhappiness, died soon after Pudge at the age of 12. I never allowed them to breed. Thank you so much for the link to your lovely pets, and helping solve my "entertainment wall" in the still-in-progress living room. Pudge is the big green boy; he was finger tame and talked a bit. Jill was the light of his life. Jill hated everyone and everything and brought blood to any finger that approached her! I loved them both.

mpagmom - So glad I can help you procrastinate! I always have something for you to think about, if you are in need with your own list of things to ponder. Thanks for including the link/pics to the garbage under the sink. I'm open to the idea of garbage or recycling under the sink - or both. I think I'm going to need to decide if I want a 30" with a single bowl or if I want to keep the double sink and go back up to 36". One thing I've been pondering is the location of the sink on the peninsula run and that cabinet being right next to it. Things can get splashy, but I also benefit from counter space on both sides of my sink. Hm... lisa0527 - That website is fascinating, though some parts of it are creeping me out. The botanicals are cool, though. leia_in_lalaland (Love your name!) - Wow, you went to town, and I really appreciate it. Those plants are so unique, I need to look into that more. For some reason, they reminded me of the plant shelves I posted a pic of below. I stuck that in one of my files several months back now, while researching Sochi's living wall. I really like the shelves, but I'm just not sure I can afford to have something that comes out into the aisle. Unless it was high up and didn't interfer with opening the upper cabinet. Floating shelves are one of my favorite things. The picture 6 up from the bottom is also fascinating. It seems they stuck a very narrow upper across the galley wall. I wonder how far that extends. I imagine there's no uppers on the left side, either. It looks very practical and seems not to interfer with the use of the peninsula. The shutters, though, are also intriguing - that pic that shows a set of grayed out shutter doors, especially. I could have a faux door after all. lol Hm..and the tin reminds me of a piece I have in the entry. It hangs coats right now, but could hang towels, I guess. It's a piece of architectural salvage with hooks on it. I'll have to go stare at that... lol Thanks so much, everyone.

Agree with one larger dining space. This would free up some needed space for a larger family room. Do you use the living room? Do you have a need for a small office or away room? The mudroom does seem a bit awkward. Better access to the covered porch from main living areas would be nice as mentioned. But, with the back facing north, you also don't want to block more windows, otherwise it will feel dark. Some added windows on the side of your house would be great for some additional light into those spaces. I know you had said, the laundry is in the basement, but I might plumb for them in a mudroom, especially if you're going through the trouble of remodeling. On that same thought with the powder room, maybe consider a shower as well if you plan to stay in this house for a while. Might be a time where stairs proves to be difficult for any number of reasons. For instance, if an adult or even a child has a broken foot or leg, having an accessible bathroom on the first floor would be a benefit, not to mention for selling. Good to really evaluate your needs and how you want to live in the home. Make your architect aware of all this, conversation is key and should be a team effort. If you honestly don't feel she is listening, then yes, maybe you find another. It's your home and you're money. Might also post in building a home forum for advice or critique. The kitchen forum would be helpful once you have worked out some layouts. Good luck!